Flexible Breast Immobilization Device for Medical Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast immobilization apparatuses fail to maintain a consistent geometric relationship between the breast and torso during imaging procedures, leading to suboptimal imaging quality and patient discomfort, as they do not conform to the breast shape and allow movement, which affects the accuracy of co-registering multiple images from different systems.
Innovation Solution
A breast immobilization apparatus comprising flexible support members and deformable membranes that conform to the torso and breast, allowing for secure adherence and maintaining a fixed geometric position, with optional fiducial markers for image registration, enabling accurate co-registration of images from various imaging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If two sterile compression plates are used to immobilize the breast, then the breast can be immobilized during imaging, but the geometric relationship between the apparatus, breast tissue and torso cannot be maintained if the patient moves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible immobilization device comprising a thorax portion and a breast portion that can conform to the patient's body contours. The device includes flexible membranes and support members that maintain breast positioning while allowing patient movement between prone and upright positions, resolving the contradiction between stable immobilization and position adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The immobilization device is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to adapt to different patient positions. The flexible components can adjust their configuration as the patient moves from prone to upright position, maintaining effective breast immobilization throughout the imaging procedure while accommodating position changes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If compression plates are used to immobilize the breast, then the breast can be held in position, but all surfaces of the breast may not be accessible for subsequent imaging or intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane-based design allows the device to conform to the breast contours while maintaining positioning stability. The membranes can be manipulated to provide access to different breast surfaces for imaging and intervention, unlike rigid compression plates that block access.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into functional segments including a thorax portion and a breast portion with multiple support members. This segmentation allows different parts of the device to perform specialized functions, with some areas providing stabilization and others allowing access for imaging and intervention procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If compression plates are used to immobilize the breast, then the breast can be held in position, but the apparatus may apply pressure on the breast tissue which may cause discomfort to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membranes and soft support members distribute pressure evenly across the breast tissue and thorax, avoiding concentrated pressure points that cause discomfort. The materials are designed to be comfortable for prolonged wear while maintaining effective immobilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows adjustment of compression parameters to optimize both immobilization effectiveness and patient comfort. The flexible components can be adjusted to provide appropriate support pressure without excessive force, and the materials are selected for their comfort properties during extended contact with tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described for substantially immobilizing a breast for use in medical imaging. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for substantially immobilizing a breast is provided, including a first support member connected to a first and second base, the bases capable of engagement with the torso of a patient, the first support member defining an inner area substantially covered by a first membrane. A corresponding second support member, defining a second inner area substantially covered by a second membrane, is engageable to the first support member such that the inner areas are substantially aligned to substantially immobilize a breast, the membranes defining a pocket to receive a breast.